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Lithuania

Lithuania

Summary

Exercise normal safety precautions . Use common sense. Look out for suspicious behaviour. Monitor the media and other sources for information on local conditions.

Carry your passport when crossing borders, even within the Schengen area. See
Local travel.

There is an ongoing risk of terrorism in Europe. Terrorist attacks have occurred in a number of European cities in recent years. See
Safety and security.

Avoid demonstrations and large public gatherings as they may turn violent.

Australia has a Consulate in Lithuania, headed by an Honorary Consul, which provides limited consular services (not including issuing passports). The Australian Embassy in Poland provides full consular assistance to Australians in Lithuania.

Entry and exit

Visas

Lithuania is part of the Schengen area, which allows you to enter without a visa in some circumstances.

Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) can change at short notice. Contact the nearest
Embassy or Consulate of Lithuania for up-to-date information.

Other formalities

If a child is travelling alone or with an adult not related to them, and the child is a resident of Lithuania, a consent letter from at least one of the parents is required. You will need to arrange for the letter to be notarised by a Lithuanian, or an Australian notary or the closest Lithuanian diplomatic office. Ensure the letter includes the child’s and accompanying adult's names, dates of birth, personal identification numbers (if relevant), passport numbers and ID cards (if relevant) including the issuing authority, date of issue and date of expiry.

Non-EU citizens visiting Lithuania must have proof of valid travel insurance. If you arrive without travel insurance, you may be required to purchase it at the border.

Money

Declare cash of 10,000 Euros or more (or the equivalent in another currency) if you're travelling between Lithuania and any non-European Union (EU) country. This includes notes and coins, money orders, cheques and travellers cheques. If you fail to declare your cash or you incorrect information on entry or exit, you will be fined. You don't need to declare cash if you're travelling to or from another EU country.

Safety and security

Crime

Exercise normal safety precautions. Use common sense. Look out for suspicious behaviour.

Violent crime is rare, but incidents of car theft and theft from vehicles are common, especially for new and/or expensive cars. Petty crime, such as pick-pocketing and bag snatching, occurs. Most instances of pick-pocketing occur on public transport and in bars and restaurants. Criminal activity increases after dark.

When driving, keep your car locked, windows up and valuables out of sight.

Use guarded car parks where possible.

Be aware of your personal belongings at all times and do not leave your belongings unattended or unsecured.

Avoid walking alone at night.

Don't accept food or drink from strangers. There have been reports of travellers being drugged ('drink spiked') and robbed.

Foreigners have been targets of scams on trains when travelling. Tourists are befriended and asked personal questions to determine if they are worth robbing. If you have concerns about your safety while travelling on public transport, seek assistance from a driver, ticket collector, security officer or any other transport employee before leaving the vehicle/transport.

File a police report at the nearest police station if you become a victim of crime. Get a copy of the report. The Lithuanian police can provide translators to assist foreigners who are victims of crime.

Terrorism

Local travel

Since 2015, there have been significant pressures on border controls in Europe due to the movement of asylum seekers. While the number of arrivals has decreased, localised disruptions to some cross-border road and rail transport services are possible. If you're travelling by road or train, allow extra time to cover any disruption and be aware border crossings may be delayed or not possible.

Always carry your passport when crossing borders, even within the Schengen area.

Monitor local media and advice from transport providers for up-to-date information on entry and exit changes and delays.

If you plan to visit the Southern portion of the Curonian Spit, get a visa for Russia. The Spit is divided between Lithuania and the Russian Federation at the Nida border crossing.

Road travel

Lithuania has one of the highest road fatality ratings among European Union countries. You're twice as likely to be killed in a motor vehicle accident in Lithuania as in Australia.

Hazards on country roads include horsedrawn carts, bicycles and cars without tail-lights or reflectors. These driving risks increase at night.

Driving in winter can be dangerous due to snow and icy conditions. Black ice on roads is a common hazard. Snow clearing in cities is carried out efficiently, but highways and roads in rural areas can be blocked for long periods.

Contact your vehicle rental provider for up-to-date information on car rental requirements, including the minimum age. Lithuania has strict guidelines on operating a motorbike and the wearing of helmets and reflective clothing.

Australian tourists can drive in Lithuania using their Australia drvier's licence accompanied by an International Driving Permit. However, when a person becomes a permanent resident of Lithuania they will need to apply for a change of licence. More information: The State Enterprise Regitra.

Taxi

Use reputable taxi companies that use meters. Private taxis may refuse to use meters and you may be overcharged. Look for the company logo before getting in. Tips are paid at your discretion. Uber and CITYBEE car booking service areavailable in Vilnius, Kaunas and Klaipeda.

Rail travel

Train travel can be disrupted by heavy snow in winter. There is no subway system.

Public transport

Towns have limited public transport timetables. Larger cities have regular and frequent bus services. Ensure you have the right ticket to avoid fines. There are bicycle rental systems in Vilnius, Kaunas and Klaipeda.

Air travel

The Australian Government doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths. See the
Aviation Safety Network website for information on aviation safety in Lithuania.

Dual nationals

Lithuania recognises dual nationality in limited circumstances. This may limit the ability of the Australian Government to provide consular assistance to Australian/Lithuanian dual nationals who are arrested or detained. If in doubt, contact the nearest
Embassy or Consulate of Lithuania for information on your dual nationality status.

Health

Travel insurance

Take out comprehensive travel insurance before departing to cover overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation.

Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. The Australian Government won't pay for your medical expenses overseas or medical evacuation costs. This can be very expensive and cost you many thousands of dollars up-front.

Confirm:

what circumstances and activities are, and are not, covered under your policy

Physical and mental health

Consider your physical and mental health before travelling, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

At least eight weeks before you depart, see a doctor for a basic health check-up, and to discuss your travel plans and implications for your health.

Get vaccinated before you travel.

If you need counselling services, contact the Australian Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 and ask to speak to a Lifeline telephone counsellor.

Medication

Not all medications available over the counter or by prescription in Australia are available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

Take prescription medicine with you so you remain in good health. Always carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating what the medicine is, how much you'll take and that it's for personal use only.

Before you leave Australia:

check if your medication is legal in each country you're travelling to, and what is required to take that medication into the country

get medical documents
authenticated by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade before departing (if required).